Education Commons^™

A Vision For The Administration Of A Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Steve E. Dodge

Graduate Research Papers

In order to keep a school running smoothly today administrators must be able to perform a wide variety of jobs effectively. The key role that any principal must play is that of a leader. The ability to lead determines how effective an administrator will be in carrying out all of the other roles. The leadership of a school's instructional program is an area in which the principal has perhaps the greatest potential to influence the largest number of people. Through this role one impacts all programs of the school.

A Vision Of Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Mary Elizabeth Bladt (Klein)

Graduate Research Papers

My interest in the field of education was sparked before I entered kindergarten. My mom was a teacher and I had two high school-aged siblings planning to enter the educational field. These three individuals greatly influenced my desire to enter the educational profession. By the age of eight, I had decided that I was going to make a difference in the lives of children and to right all of the wrongs that I had heard about from various family conversations. My maturity and experiences have allowed me to reflect upon the roles of leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Brent Winterhof

Graduate Research Papers

Schools are the best place to work. There are daily changes and activities from 6:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Each year is a fresh start for everyone. Knowledge about teaching and learning is increasing constantly. The curiosity and youthful exuberance of the young people make everyday a challenge. In the big picture of life, these are reasons that I went into education and want to continue.

Educational Excellence For Administrating Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cynthia J. Lapel

Graduate Research Papers

A visionary leader must look at what the organization should be like to achieve educational excellence, and then be willing to undertake the necessary steps to achieve the vision. Educational excellence will take a strong-hold only when it evolves from a community commitment for excellence. This community consisting of students and teachers, as well as parents and the public, led by a visionary administrator, will develop a commonly held vision to achieve educational excellence for their school district.

Rebuilding Little Lives : Using Play Therapy With Traumatized Children, Denise E. Maas

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the author will attempt to assist therapists with their work with traumatized children using play therapy. The discussion includes signs and symptoms that a traumatized child may exhibit. In addition, the paper will contain selected therapeutic powers of play and how they can aid in the treatment of traumatized children. The case examples provided throughout this paper are actual experiences taken from the author's clinical practice in a hospice setting.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Vicki Mueller

Graduate Research Papers

Just as the role of the school is changing to fit the needs of our students and society, the role of the school administrator is changing to meet the needs of the school. The school administrator should be viewed as important liaison between the school and the community. More and more, their role is proactive as opposed to reactive, as it appears to have been years ago. If an administrator takes the time to make contacts and build relationships, the loyalty and commitment by students, parents, staff and community will help to assure success and prosperity for all.

A Review Of The Washington University Sentence Completion Test, Jennifer K. Murra

Graduate Research Papers

Ego development is a concept which has been researched for many years One way this concept has been measured is through the use of projective tests which offer a vague stimulus (in this case sentence sterns) which respondents answer without a clear set of rules. Jane Loevinger and her associates developed a theory of ego development which was then used to develop a projective test in 1970 called the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT or SCT).

A synthesis of information including validity, reliability, explanations of ego development theory, discussions of different forms, and scoring has not yet been done. …

Women, Mentoring, And The Degree : Tiptoeing Through The Academic Tulips, Linda Marie Schneider

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine issues related to mentoring women in higher education. Specifically, this paper will address issues concerning the chilly climate women face on campus, issues that focus on gender stereotypes for women in higher education, and issues which prohibit successful mentoring between women. students and.administrators. Finally, recommendations for student service administrators to· enhance mentoring relationships are suggested.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jean M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

As a future school administrator, I have established what I feel are my personal beliefs or philosophies about how I might effectively minister or serve others. This reflective essay discusses two of those beliefs – the beliefs that effective communication, and the acquisition and utilization of organizational skills, are essential in any leadership role.

Caregiver Burden: The Impact On Aging Parents Who Care For Adult Children, Joan Klekacz West

Graduate Research Papers

Contemporary research on caregiving has focused mainly on caregiver burden experienced by children caring for elderly parents. Most gerontological research (e.g., Greenberg, 1991; Greenberg & Becker, 1988) has stressed the movement of caregiver burden and related stress down through the intergenerational family system from parents to children. This research has ignored the impact of caregiver burden and stress on aging parents whose adult children have experienced major life stressors. In this situation, the movement of the caregiver burden moves up through the intergenerational family system as parents assume the caregiving role for adult children.

Applying Student Development Theories To Intramural Sports Programming, Aaron L. Babcock

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine student development as it is currently related to participation in intramural sports. Intramural sports are defined and a brief history discussed. Next, applying student development theories to intramurals will be examined as well as implications for student affairs administrators. Finally, recommendations will be made for administrators to increase the student development potential of intramural sports programs.

Adult Learners : Motivations, Barriers, And Retention, Jill Annette Moe

Graduate Research Papers

Older students often have different needs and experiences than their younger counterparts (Cross, 1981). This paper examines three areas concerning adult students. These include 1) adults' motivations in seeking post-secondary education, 2) the barriers experienced by adult learners, and 3) what assistance adult learners need to successfully complete their educational goals.

Applications Of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy In The School Setting, Joanne M. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

As a result of the many demands, as well as lack of time, school counselors need to work with an effective short-term theory. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) fits this description because the general goal of REBT is to attain positive mental health within the least amount of time and with minimal expenditure.

Because of its efficiency, and its applicability to individual, small group, classroom, and adults, school counselors should consider using REBT in the school setting. The preventative and self-help focus of REBT, and the teaching materials developed around this theory fit well into the school setting. By applying …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kellie A. Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses reform in our schools today. It contains opposing views of change, national standards, career-oriented reform, the school as a "home within a school", kindergarten-like atmospheres, market-based initiatives, school employee reform, philosophical models, and the pitfalls of reformation. The paper closes with my own comments.

Providing A Positive Campus Climate For Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Students, Daniel Raymond Reed

Graduate Research Papers

The purposes of this paper are three-fold. The first purpose is to discuss the homophobic stereotypes and discriminatory campus environments with which gay, lesbian, and bisexual students must deal on a daily basis. The second purpose is to discuss the negative effects these practices have on gay, lesbian, and bisexual students' college experience. The final, and main purpose of this paper, is to provide suggestions on how student affairs professionals can provide a positive campus climate for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students.

Latinas In Higher Education : No Longer The Invisible Minority, Sheila Adele Rodriguez

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will explore the issues underlying the under-representation of Latinas in higher education. The emphasis will be placed on Chicana females because Chicanos comprise 60 percent of the Latino population, and much of the existing research is focused on this group. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, barriers to the participation of Latinas in higher education will be explored. Second, factors contributing to the success of high-achieving Latinas will be discussed. Finally, implications for higher education programming and policies will be examined as they affect Chicanas in particular, and Latinas in general. Suggestions for ways in …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary/Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad E. Small

Graduate Research Papers

The success and future of our nation, if not the entire world, depends on educating our children. For this reason, I have decided to seek anew career in educational administration after serving as a teacher and coach for.the past twelve years.

As the building principal, you lead by example. What the principal does on a regular basis overtime, becomes the most important aspect of the school (D. Else, Personal. Communication, 1997). I really understood the power of that statement. When looking back at my former principals, I can see how their actions helped or hindered their leadership. Students and.staff will …

A Research Paper Presented To The Department Of Educational Administration And Counseling, Eric C. Wood

Graduate Research Papers

I began to seriously think about teaching as a career during my senior year of high school. Before that, I knew I was going to college, but I had no idea what I was going to study. I was going to play football, and if I learned something along the way that was fine. A knee injury during the third game of my senior year quickly altered any thought of ever playing football again. I knew I wanted to stay around football and figured the only way to do that was to coach. Teaching was going to be the vehicle …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Darla Jean Williams

Graduate Research Papers

This is an exciting time to be in education. The world has changed. Technology and the development of a global economy have played a part in this transformation. Reorganizing schools is of foremost importance to educators today. Schools have been affected significantly by these changes, and they will continue to evolve as we enter the 21st century. The education community is seeking to fundamentally change the way we work with our most important resources - teachers, administrators, students, parents, and the community. For educators, the most challenging aspect of this new age is to successfully educate every student for a …

Counseling Diverse Adolescents And Adults, Nicole Needham Wee

Graduate Research Papers

For many years, counseling professionals have tried to advance research in the knowledge and techniques essential to effective multicultural counseling. Despite such efforts, many counselors still have difficulty meeting the needs of ethnic minority clients (Sue & Zane, 1987). According to Stein ( 1997), many multicultural courses present only a broad view of multicultural concepts without adequately preparing practitioners to actually counsel diverse populations. The resulting confusion counselors experience in their relationships with minority clients may be one of the reasons that counseling is underutilized by many cultural groups. Brown ( as cited in Marino, 1996) commented that African Americans …

Using The Arts To Decrease The Educational Failure Of At-Risk Students, Agnes L. Scott

Graduate Research Papers

The number of at-risk students who are destined for educational failure, quitting school before graduation or by not learning while attending school, is increasing at an unprecedented rate (Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 1992). If America does not sufficiently educate its increasing numbers of at-risk students, the nation's social and economic status may suffer due to a deteriorated educational system. These national concerns provide an opportunity to address appropriate educational interventions to help at-risk students. This paper will review the literature which suggests using the arts to decrease the educational failure of at-risk students.

A Vision For Leading Effective Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jennifer L. Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

We will face many challenges in the year 2000 and beyond - societal issues, economic issues, educational issues. The school in which I work will strive to promote leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and evaluate and grow professionally together. It is not my goal to manage with a top-down approach. It is my vision that I will lead the school community into exceptional instruction and learning. Leadership strengths will flow from a shared vision, values, and personal reflection. I do believe that by following these three tenets, I will lead the kids of today into …

Children Of Divorce : Implication To Teaching, Lisa Timmerman

Graduate Research Papers

Each day nearly 2,989 children experience a divorce within their families (Parker, 1994). Within the last several decades, the incidence of divorce within the United States has risen dramatically. The trend is that nearly half of all marriages will end in divorce (O'Leary & Smith, 1991). In fact, it is expected that at least 40% of all children will spend some part of their lives in a single parent household (Garvin, Leber, & Kalter, 1991). It is also estimated that over 90% of these children will reside with their mothers (Diamond, 1985; Kalter, 1990). 1 In this paper, the ·author …

Reflections On A Vision For School Leadership, Thomas J. Neuhaus

Graduate Research Papers

When I reflect upon my vision for leading a school, I see a holistic nature to the areas of climate, shared decision making, community collaboration, and educational programming. These areas overlap one another as they provide the foundation on which I will lead. Community collaboration involves shared decision making, and shared decision making impacts climate. Educational programming, as I have described it, involves all of these areas. I feel what connects everything are the principles of relationships, resources, and relevancy. I believe the keys to success as a leader will be dependent upon the ability to create and nurture relationships, …

Combining Adventure Therapy And Reality Therapy As A Treatment Approach With Adolescents, Shawn C. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescence is often considered a time filled with emotional conflict and stress. That stress often gives rise to psychological and behavioral problems for a large number of adolescents (Zigler & Stevenson, 1993). Teens experience poor self-concepts, decreases in self-esteem, depression, and a general inability to cope with the stress experienced during this time period. It is reported that many youth also lack support and guidance from their peers, families, and schools which would normally provide security in the development of successful personal identities (Clagett, 1992).

Current therapeutic approaches need to address these adolescent issues and needs in order to help …

Where Am I Going? Where Have I Been?, Teresa R. Coenen

Graduate Research Papers

The task of writing a reflective essay is to describe my educational philosophy and beliefs, how they were framed and formed, and how I hope to apply them in future applications. In order to understand my goals, one must first look at the path that has lead me to these goals. Before I can truly understand where I am going, I must first review where I have been. I have never – not even for one minute – regretted my decision to become an educator. In the last seven years, I have never wished to skip a single day of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Mary L. Boehmer

Graduate Research Papers

Administrators need to continue learning and growing to be effective. Technology, school laws and mandates, the students and community themselves are rapidly changing. Our society is always talking about school reform. Reform from what? To what?

Administrators need direction and vision. We cannot get where we want to go if we have no idea where we want to be. On our journey we cross the paths of many, many people. How we treat them and help with their needs will be remembered for a long time.

Our schools need to look ahead. The classes I have had have shown me …

Rationale For Using Group Therapy With Couples Affected By Domestic Violence, Joyce C. Fehr

Graduate Research Papers

This paper defines battering and batterers, highlights some of the treatment interventions already in place for batterers, and provides a rationale for using couples group therapy for those people who choose to remain in a relationship after there has been at least one incidence of domestic violence resulting in the arrest of one of the partners. The paper describes what this type of group format might look like, and takes a look at the criticisms of couples group therapy and the cautions associated with such a group. Finally, this paper summarizes the future direction of domestic violence treatment.

Mental Health Services For The Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing, Laura Scheffert James

Graduate Research Papers

In an effort to help increase the reader's understanding of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the author of this paper will attempt to describe and define this population. Specific mental health concerns of this population reviewed in the literature will be noted, and mental health needs of the population will be identified. Ethical and legal considerations found in the literature will be reviewed. Characteristics of specialized training programs for counselors working with the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be discussed, and recommendations for the establishment of more effective, comprehensive, and specialized training programs for counselors working with deaf and hard-of-hearing clients …

A Personal Vision For Quality Leadership In Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rebecca S. Love

Graduate Research Papers

It is my belief that the future lies in our children. It is our mission as educators to help guide children to become citizens of the 21st century who appreciate and understand themselves and others, are life-long learners, are globally oriented, and are skilled in creative and critical thinking. Five areas stand out as the benchmarks of an effective administrator. Those five areas being: a clear and well defined vision; leadership style; supervision of curriculum and instruction; school climate; and school and community relations. It is these five areas that will be the focus of my reflective essay.